dessert Archives – Sam Does Her Best

30 Minutes or Less

5 Ingredient Cookie Dough Protein Balls

By Samantha Russo March 20, 2025

Why You’ll Love These Protein Balls

Easy, No-Bake Snack: Made with just 5 simple ingredients and ready in minutes – no oven required!

Packed with Protein: Each ball contains 7 grams of protein, making them a perfect post-workout or midday snack.

Healthy & Dietary-Friendly: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.

Recipe Variations

Mix in Superfoods: Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts for extra fiber and omega-3s.
Swap the Nut Butter: Use almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor. For nut-free, use sunflower seed butter.
Boost the Chocolate: Dip the balls in melted dark chocolate and let them harden in the fridge for a chocolate-covered protein treat!

The Mixture is Too Dry, What Do I Do?

If the mixture is dry or crumbly, simply:

Add 1 tablespoon of water or almond milk at a time until the dough comes together.
Alternatively, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter for more moisture and flavor.

Hand holding a cookie dough protein ball.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use oat flour instead of almond flour.
Make it Keto: Use almond flour instead of oats and a sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
Make it Grain-Free/Paleo: Skip the oats and use almond flour for a smooth, doughy texture.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.

More Healthy Snack Recipes

If you love these no-bake protein balls, check out my other snack recipes like:

Enjoy these 5-ingredient cookie dough protein balls as a nutritious snack or dessert! 😋

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Cookie Dough Protein Balls

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these 5-ingredient cookie dough protein balls – the perfect no-bake snack! Packed with 7 grams of protein per ball, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them ideal for a healthy energy boost. Ready in minutes, they’re a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your day!

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Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: servings

Equipment

1 medium bowl

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats or almond flour
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.

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Desserts

4-Ingredient Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cake

By Samantha Russo February 19, 2025

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This almond flour cake is light, moist, and easy to make. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and made with wholesome ingredients. You only need one bowl and a few pantry staples to create this delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Can You Use Almond Flour For Cakes?

Yes, absolutely! Almond flour adds texture and flavor, and is loved by those following a paleo diet. Almond flour can be beneficial to someone looking to reduce their carbs, grains and sugar intake. Unlike wheat or rice flour blends, almond flour contains no grains so it won’t lead to a spike blood sugar. And after you make this cake, I highly recommend you use any leftover almond flour to make almond flour chocolate cookies and almond flour brownies – YUM!

gluten-free almond flour cake sliced on a plate.

What You’ll Need To Make Almond Flour Cake

Eggs – Bring your eggs to room temperature before using them in this recipe. Then, crack them into your bowl and beat them until super light and airy. The goal here is to introduce as much air to the eggs as possible, which will result in a lighter and fluffier cake!

Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

Almond Flour – I recommend the Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour for this grain-free recipe. The more finely ground the almond flour is, the lighter your cake will be. However, if you can’t find an almond flour labeled “super fine,” don’t worry – many are ground finely enough to work in this recipe. Also, avoid using almond meal, it’s heavier and will result in a more dense cake.

Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and adds fluffiness!

Lemon Zest – Let’s call is the secret ingredient! A pinch of lemon zest gives this almond flour cake a hint of tangy, citrus-y freshness. Without out, the cake tastes great, but with it, the cake tastes incredible. So if you’re looking to take this gluten-free dessert recipe up a notch, don’t forget the lemon zest.

overhead image of almond flour cake on a plate.

How to Make Almond Flour Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch cake pan.Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick (about 5 minutes).
Add almond flour, baking powder, and lemon zest. Beat until just combined.
Pour batter into the pan and top with sliced almonds if using.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely before serving.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

Beat the eggs for a full 5 minutes, no less! Beating the eggs until pale and thick is hands-down the most important part of this recipe. No matter how tempting it may be, don’t cut this step short!
For easy removal, I recommend baking this almond flour cake in a spring-form pan. Once done baking, gently run a butter knife along the inside edge of the pan to unstick it from the sides. Then, release the sides of the spring-form pan and list away the sides revealing your perfect cake!
Top this gluten-free cake however you’d like! I finished mine off with a generous dollop of coconut white cream and some fresh berries. This cake would also taste great with your favorite frosting, or a simple sprinkling of powdered sugar!
If you like cinnamon, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months—just thaw it at room temperature before serving.

gluten-free almond flour cake sliced on a plate with powdered sugar on top.

4 from 6 votes

Perfect Almond Flour Cake

Perfectly light and fluffy almond flour cake! A totally irresistible dessert that’s grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free. This simple cake comes together in one bowl, with only a handful of simple ingredients.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 1 10

Servings: servings

Ingredients

4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons lemon zest optional, but recommended
1/4 cup sliced almonds optional, for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
Beat together the eggs and sugar with either a hand or stand mixer on high speed until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.
Add in the almond flour, lemon zest (if using) and baking powder. Beat for another 30 seconds to one minute, until batter is just combined.
Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan and if you'd like, top with an even layer of sliced almonds (for extra crunch and decoration). Bake the cake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the cake comes out clean.
Remove cake from the pan and let cool completely before garnishing and serving.

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30 Minutes or Less

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Mug Cake

By Samantha Russo January 22, 2025

I LOVE a single serve dessert! My go-to is usually either my single serve gluten-free cinnamon roll, or if I need some extra protein I’ll quickly throw together a single serve protein cookie. But lately, I’ve been alllll about this 3-ingredient peanut butter mug cake. I love that I can take it straight out of the microwave and onto the couch with me, and enjoy it warm (!!!) while I binge whatever show I’m watching that week. I typically enjoy it all on its own, but if I’m feeling crazy I’ll add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate, or even a handful of sprinkles! Please, have fun with this recipe, and most importantly – ENJOY!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes, this mug cake is perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Simple Ingredients: Only 3 pantry staples are needed, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
Customizable: Add mix-ins or toppings to make it your own while still keeping it simple.

What You’ll Need to Make Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Egg: The egg acts as a binder, giving the mug cake its structure and fluffy texture. I wouldn’t recommend trying to replace the egg with something else, since it’s vital to holding this mug cake together.

Peanut Butter: Adds richness, a nutty flavor, and protein to the cake. Use creamy or natural peanut butter for best results. However, if you can’t have peanut butter use any nut, seed, or granola butter in its place!

Sugar: Sweetens the mug cake. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference or use alternatives like coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option!

3 ingredient peanut butter mug cake on a tea towel.

Here’s a link to the microwave-safe mug I used – on Amazon!

How to Make Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Start by cracking an egg into a microwave-safe mug.
Add the peanut butter and sugar, then mix well until smooth and lump-free.
Microwave for 1 minute. Check the texture; if it’s undercooked, microwave for an additional 10 seconds.
Allow to cool slightly, then enjoy it straight from the mug!

Topping/Mix-In Options

Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a few on top before microwaving for a melty chocolate finish.
Banana Slices: Add a natural sweetness and pair perfectly with peanut butter.
Crushed Nuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or almonds on top.
Drizzles: Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or melted chocolate after cooking.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

Microwave Timing: All microwaves vary in power. Start with 1 minute, then check and add time in 10-second increments if needed.
Texture: For a gooier center, slightly undercook the cake by a few seconds.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter may result in a slightly denser texture but works perfectly. Stir well before using to incorporate the oils.

close up image of 3 ingredient peanut butter mug cake with a spoon.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This mug cake is:

It’s a perfect quick dessert or snack that’s as easy as it is delicious!

5 from 1 vote

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Mug Cake

This 3-ingredient peanut butter mug cake is the ultimate quick and easy dessert, ready in just 5 minutes! Made with simple pantry staples, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and customizable with your favorite toppings – perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth anytime.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 3

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 4

Servings: serving

Equipment

1 microwave-safe mug

Ingredients

1 large egg
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter unsweetened
1-2 tablespoons sugar depending on how sweet you'd like it

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a microwave-safe mug and mix together until fully combined and smooth.
Microwave the mug cake for 1 minute, then remove from the microwave and let cool for at least a few minutes before eating (it will be VERY hot!).

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Dairy-Free

3-Ingredient Tofu Chocolate Mousse

By Samantha Russo January 21, 2025

This tofu chocolate mousse recipe is a dessert game-changer! With just three ingredients, it’s easy, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for anyone following a vegan, gluten-free, or refined sugar-free lifestyle. Indulge in this creamy and satisfying high-protein dessert today!

Overhead image of silken tofu chocolate mousse in a small ramekin with whipped cream and a raspberry on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s rich, creamy, and chocolatey while being completely vegan and dairy-free.
Made with just 3 simple ingredients, this mousse is easy to whip up in minutes and perfect for any occasion.
Packed with protein from silken tofu and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this dessert is both healthy and indulgent.
Gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

What You’ll Need to Make Tofu Chocolate Mousse

Silken Tofu: The base of the mousse, silken tofu creates an irresistibly smooth and creamy texture while adding a healthy dose of plant-based protein. Remove your tofu from the fridge at least 30 minutes before making this recipe, since you’ll need it at room temperature before combining it with the other ingredients!

Chocolate Chips: Melted dark chocolate chips are the star of this recipe, adding a rich and luxurious chocolate flavor. Opt for dark chocolate to keep the mousse vegan and naturally lower in sugar.

Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that balances the dark chocolate’s richness while adding a hint of caramel-like sweetness.

How to Make Tofu Chocolate Mousse

Add the melted chocolate, silken tofu, and maple syrup to a blender or food processor.
Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Divide the mousse into four small bowls or ramekins, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Serve chilled with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, coconut whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Close up image of silken tofu chocolate mousse in a small ramekin with whipped cream and a raspberry on top.

Switch Up the Flavors

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
Mix in a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate notes.
Sprinkle crushed nuts or shredded coconut on top for added texture.
Stir in a touch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you taste the tofu in this chocolate mousse?

Not at all! The chocolate and maple syrup completely mask the tofu flavor, leaving you with a rich and creamy mousse.

Can I use firm tofu instead of silken tofu?

It’s best to use silken tofu for the smoothest texture. Firm tofu may result in a grainy mousse.

Can I substitute the melted chocolate for cocoa powder?

You can, but the mousse may lack the richness that melted chocolate provides. If using cocoa powder, add extra maple syrup or a touch of coconut oil for creaminess.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store the mousse in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze the mousse in individual portions for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, or enjoy it as a frozen treat straight from the freezer.

silken tofu chocolate mousse in a small ramekin with whipped cream and a raspberry on top.

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3-Ingredient Tofu Chocolate Mousse

This tofu chocolate mousse recipe is a dessert game-changer! With just three ingredients, it's easy, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for anyone following a vegan, gluten-free, or refined sugar-free lifestyle. Indulge in this creamy and satisfying high-protein dessert today!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Chill Time: 1

Total Time: 1 5

Servings: servings

Equipment

1 food processor or high speed blender
4 small bowls

Ingredients

1/2 cup chocolate chips melted
1 (12-ounce) package silken tofu drained and patted dry (at room temperature!)
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

Add all ingredient to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
Pour the chocolate mousse into four small bowls, then cover each bowl with plastic wrap and transfer the mousse to the fridge.
Leave the chocolate mousse to firm up in the fridge for at least 1 hour, and up to 8 hours before serving.

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Notes

Please make sure your silken tofu is at room temperature before combining it with the other ingredients. If the tofu is cold, it will cause the melted chocolate to harden and create a grainy texture in your chocolate mousse. Therefore, to avoid that, remove the tofu from the fridge at least 30 minutes before making this recipe!

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30 Minutes or Less

5-Ingredient Edible Protein Cookie Dough Recipe

By Samantha Russo January 20, 2025

This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough is a healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free treat packed with protein and sweetened with maple syrup. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for a post-workout snack or healthier dessert. Customize with your favorite mix-ins for a quick, delicious, and indulgent treat!

protein chocolate chip cookie dough in a small cup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it’s a healthier take on traditional cookie dough.
Packed with protein, making it perfect for a post-workout treat, quick snack, or fun dessert option.
Gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, catering to various dietary preferences.
Quick and easy to make—no baking required, and ready in just minutes!

What You’ll Need to Make Protein Cookie Dough

Almond Flour: Almond flour serves as the base of this cookie dough, giving it a soft, buttery texture. It’s naturally gluten-free and rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional wheat flour.

Vanilla Protein Powder: The protein powder not only enhances the nutritional profile of the cookie dough but also adds a sweet, creamy flavor. Choose your favorite brand for the best results—plant-based or whey works perfectly.

Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener provides just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the recipe refined sugar-free. Plus, it helps bind the ingredients together.

Melted Coconut Oil (or Butter): Coconut oil adds richness and moisture to the dough. For a slightly different flavor, swap it for melted butter or vegan butter, depending on your dietary needs.

Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chips are the stars of the show, adding bursts of sweetness and indulgence. Use dark chocolate, sugar-free, or dairy-free chips to suit your preferences.

chocolate chip protein cookie dough on a spoon.

How to Make Protein Cookie Dough

Mix the Dough: Add the almond flour, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil to a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined and the dough forms a cohesive texture.
Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Serve and Enjoy: That’s it! Your cookie dough is ready to eat. Scoop it straight from the bowl or portion it out into snack-sized servings.

Toppings and Variations

Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or nut butter on top for extra decadence.
Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for a fun twist.
Seasonal Flavors: Sprinkle in cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or a dash of peppermint extract to suit the season.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Ensure your protein powder and chocolate chips are dairy-free. Coconut oil is naturally dairy-free, so you’re already set!

Make it Vegan: Choose a vegan protein powder and chocolate chips. Maple syrup is already vegan-friendly, and coconut oil is an excellent alternative to butter.

Make it Keto: Replace the maple syrup with a keto-friendly liquid sweetener like monk fruit syrup. Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb treat.

Storage Instructions

Store your protein cookie dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, chill it for an hour before serving. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and thaw as needed.

5 ingredient edible protein chocolate chip cookie dough in a small cup with a spoon.

5 from 4 votes

5 Ingredient Edible Protein Cookie Dough

This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough is a healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free treat packed with protein and sweetened with maple syrup. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for a post-workout snack or healthier dessert. Customize with your favorite mix-ins for a quick, delicious, and indulgent treat!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: servings